Mountain biking is my exercise of choice. I get out when I can, and when I can’t, I’ve a turbo trainer which converts my bike into a static exercise bike. I’m also an enthusiastic heart rate monitor user – it really lets me see exactly how hard I’m working.
There’s been a fly in the ointment of my fitness though. The bottom bracket – the axle which goes through the frame, around which the pedals rotate – is worn out. This adds friction, but I’ve put up with it. I’ve even made a virtue of it – the extra resistance will make me fitter, I’ve told myself. The truth is though, when I’m out on the trails, it just slows me down. I work just as hard and get less enjoyment.
So I finally changed it, and today took it for its first spin on the turbo trainer. I got quite a surprise. Doing my regular routine, my heart rate was consistently 4-5% lower than usual at any given point. Sounds terrifically geeky, but the point is, by attending to the resistance, I made life easier for myself. That 5% could mean reaching the top of the hill panting, rather than with my heart trying to smash through my ribcage. That in turn would make the whole ride a lot more fun.
This got me thinking – where else is there resistance in my life? And what would be the knock-on effects of doing something about it? Resistance always points to a need, like the resistance on my bike telling me the bottom bracket needed changing.
So there’s a useful exercise here. Try this:
1. Notice something you’re resisting (eg. applying for a job you’d love)
2. Ask youself what the really difficult part is (eg. you’ll feel stupid if you don’t get it)
3. Ask yourself what you need (eg. reassurance, support, encouragement, recognition)
4.Think about the impact of overcoming the resistance (eg. hey, perhaps you WILL get it! That’ll lead to fulfillment, maybe more pay or better conditions, working with great people. Even if you don’t, you’ll feel better for having tried – it NEVER feels bad to get over a hurdle! It’ll be good practice, you’ll get round to updating your CV, you could get some useful feedback, you’ll have the opportunity to learn something)
5. Get what you need (eg. from a friend or colleague – someone you’ll trust and listen to)
6. Go for it.
